What's Your Business Really Worth?
It depends on who's asking - and who else is in the room.
Valuations aren't fixed numbers. They're ranges that shift based on market conditions, buyer motivation, and most importantly, competition.
Valuations Are Subjective
Every valuation methodology - whether it's a multiple of EBITDA, discounted cash flow, or asset-based approach - produces a range, not a number.
That range can vary by millions of dollars depending on who's looking at your business and what they plan to do with it.
A strategic buyer who sees synergies might pay 7x EBITDA. A financial buyer looking for a platform might pay 5x. An individual buyer with SBA financing might be capped at 4x.
The question isn't "what's my business worth?" It's "what will buyers compete to pay?"
Fair Market Value
Fair market value is defined as the price at which an asset would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or sell, and both having reasonable knowledge of relevant facts.
In plain terms: it's whatever someone will actually pay for it.
Buyers tell us valuation is a simple calculation. We know otherwise.
Click below to view our experience on recent transactions.
$430k EBITDA
Small service business. Typically attracts individuals and small search funds.
Typically a bargain hunter. Heavily reliant on seller financing and earnouts.
Buying for the long term. Willing to work to maximize valuation to win the deal.
"I'm looking for a business that will run without me. I can pay market price but you have to help me out."
"I'm looking for a single business to own and operate for the long term, and I have enough work experience to pay a premium for immediate growth."
* Based on actual blinded transaction data from recent processes.
Why Competition Matters
A single buyer knows they're the only option. Multiple buyers know they're not.
Leverage Shifts
When buyers compete, the leverage moves from them to you. Terms improve. Prices increase. Earnouts shrink.
Value Emerges
Different buyers see different value. Strategic buyers pay for synergies. Financial buyers pay for growth potential.
Risk Reduces
If your top buyer falls through, you have backups. No starting over. No losing momentum.
We Don't Guess. We Test the Market.
A desktop valuation tells you what your business might be worth based on comparable transactions. It's a useful starting point - but it's not the finish line.
We take a different approach. We prepare your business for market, then systematically engage qualified buyers to discover what they'll actually pay.
The result isn't a theoretical number. It's real offers from real buyers with real money.
What You Get
- Preliminary valuation range based on your financials and market comparables
- Assessment of value drivers and potential deal-killers
- Honest feedback on timing and market conditions
- Confidential conversation with no obligation
Curious What Your Business Might Be Worth?
Schedule a confidential call. We'll discuss your business, your goals, and what the market might pay.